“Indirect Request and Offer” Grammar Review

There are many ways to ask for things in English. From simple to complicated, English can be polite and impolite! Finding ways to bridge grammar from an elementary stage of study to higher levels can make learning English fun! At the earliest stages of our language learning journey, we learn ways to simply communicate. At the higher levels, we learn how to articulate our thoughts in a more common and polite way. At the higher levels, we have many more methods of communication compared to the earliest stages. Indirect requests and offers are at the top of the list for politeness. Below are examples. Have fun with this topic. Ask your teacher for more information.

“Indirect Request” Present Simple Examples

I would like some coffee! (indirect request without contraction)

I’d like some coffee! (indirect request with contraction)

I would like to watch a movie! (indirect request without contraction)

I’d like to watch a movie! (indirect request with contraction)

“Polite Offer” Present Simple Examples

Would you like some coffee? (polite offer at the table)

Would you like more dessert? (polite offer at the table)

“Polite Offer” For The Future Examples

Would you like to watch a movie tonight? (offer for the future)

Would you like to visit the park tomorrow? (offer for the future)

Do not confuse “Would you like” with “Do you like”. Would you like is an expression used for “one time offers”. Do you like is used to ask if you like something everyday or all the time. Examples might be “Do you like reading?” or “Do you like your job?”. Ask your teacher for a further explanation.